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Author Notes:I read this genius recipe from Mario Batali in a newspaper article and I instantly new it was the right one for me: a straightforward and simple recipe for panettone with minimum time involved in its execution. I adapted it slightly to my family and friends taste and made it for the holidays, since panettone is a must in my Italian influenced country. —bonheurcuisine

Makes: two 1 pound panettones

For the dough

100
g unsalted butter, room temperature

2
large eggs

3
large egg yolks

3 1/2
cups all- purpose flour

1
cup whole milk

1
cup sugar

1/2
cup dried currants, soaked in warm water and drained (blonde and dark)

2
lemons, zested

1
tablespoon vanilla extract

2
teaspoons cream of tartar

1 1/2
teaspoons baking soda

For the topping and glaze

1/2
cup icing sugar

1/2
cup almond meal

1
egg white

1
cup sifted icing sugar

1
egg white

1
tablespoon lemon juice

Dried blonde currants and chopped walnuts or pecans to garnish

In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream the unsalted butter, the eggs and yolks until pale. Add the tbsp vanilla extract and the lemon zest

Switch to the dough attachment and with the mixer running add half the flour. Add half of the milk and mix for 1 minute

Add the remainder flour and milk and all of the sugar. Mix for 20 minutes. Incorporate the cream of tartar, baking soda and mix for 5 minutes more. Add the currants and fold.

In a separate bowl beat the egg white with the icing sugar and almond meal. Pour the batter over the panettone dough covering its surface. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted in the center

Allow to cool. For the glaze beat the egg white with the icing sugar and add the lemon juice. Top with the glaze and garnish with blonde currants and chopped nuts